{
  "id": 12171907,
  "title": "Medvedev defaulted for hitting spectator with ball",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/medvedev-defaulted-for-hitting-spectator-with-ball-12171907",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T14:47:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/medvedev-defaulted-hitting-spectator-ball-141418472.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open for striking a spectator during his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic. Medvedev trailed Djokovic 7-5 5-3 when the ball hit the fan in the front row of the stand behind him. The fan was left holding his face and was helped out of the arena. Medvedev apologized to the fan, expressing his hope that he was okay and would allow him to apologize in person. Djokovic, who previously faced a similar situation at the 2020 US Open, expressed sympathy for both Medvedev and the fan. Defaults occur when players violate the sport's code of conduct, which includes ball abuse, physical or verbal abuse, or racquet abuse. Medvedev, known for his emotional outbursts on court, has been working on his behavior. The match ended early, with Djokovic advancing to face Alex de Minaur in the final.",
  "summary": "Daniil Medvedev is defaulted from the China Open after hitting a spectator in the face with a ball during his semi-final against Novak Djokovic.",
  "key_points": [
    "Daniil Medvedev disqualified for hitting spectator",
    "Ball struck fan in front row during match",
    "Medvedev apologized, Djokovic expressed sympathy"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Medvedev defaulted for hitting spectator with ball",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/medvedev-defaulted-for-hitting-spectator-with-ball",
        "published": "2026-10-05T14:44:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Meduza (English)",
        "title": "Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev disqualified from Beijing semifinal against Novak Djokovic after hitting spectator in face with ball",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/russian-tennis-star-daniil-medvedev-disqualified-from-beijing",
        "published": "2026-10-05T16:56:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}